Hi Denise,

I don't think anyone would have an exact answer for you on these questions
<<Is the quantity enough to get down into the stomach and change the flora?
  How do you reconcile the issue of giving the wine verse "nothing but
breastmilk for six months?" ">>

I have no experience with the bris ceremony whatsoever, but I do have a few
thoughts. Someone else posted that the wine is often presented to the baby
to suck on a piece of gauze, so it seems the quantity is quite small.
Theoretically *any* thing other than breastmilk alters gut flora, but I
don't think we need to be that purist about it. Some cultures give a little
tea or water. Maybe that is not the absolute best thing to do, but unless it
really puts the baby at risk (like unsafe water supplies or stimulants in a
tea) then I'm thinking we don't have to be overly concerned about it.
Mothers on antibiotics and other meds, or even mothers consuming dairy and
soy and other foods, apparently change their infants' guts and flora etc.
What about a little taste of food on a parent's finger before 6 mos or so.
Not necessarily ideal nor recommended, but in the grand scheme of baby
health and mothering thru breastfeeding, is it really a big deal? That is
what I think and that is what I would convey to the family if they were
concerned.

Here in New Orleans, grandmothers recommend a sip of water when the baby has
hiccoughs. While I advise families on exclusive breastfeeding i.e. no
formula, no water, I try not to get too upset when moms tell me they gave a
little sip of water to cure the hiccoughs - even if they give it with a
bottle.

There are so many other things for me to get upset about, a little bit of
wine for the baby would not bother me at all.

Laurie Wheeler, IBCLC, MN, RN
New Orleans Louisiana, s.e. USA

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